SacFoodies

Perry Creek Winery, El Dorado County

by SacFoodies

Ever since our latest ‘Bring Out the Barrel’ ticket giveaway’ on SacFoodies, I’ve been eager to go wine tasting and check out the nearby El Dorado County wineries.

A couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend and I finally made the one-hour drive to El Dorado County, where we visited Perry Creek Winery on the Fair Play Loop. We had a great experience—not only was the weather great, but the wine was too.

We called ahead of time (which was recommended) to make a reservation for a complete winery experience—wine (and barrel) tasting, a winery tour and a nice outdoor lunch. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the tasting room staff and treated to a short and informative tour around the estates led by the winemaker, Jonathan.. Perry Creek did not disappoint. Jonathan was not only a true wine expert, but was very friendly and talked with us about the wine in way that was easy for us non-wine experts to understand.

We were first guided around the tasting room and up to the winery where we were able to barrel taste and walk amongst hundreds of barrels of wine. It was very surprising to learn that Perry Creek’s Altitude Syrah grapes, from the same vines but picked at different times and placed in different barrels, can each taste totally different from each other.

After barrel tasting in the winery, we headed to the tasting room where we were able to try a few different wines. Flavorful cheeses and tastes of Perry Creek’s delicious olive oils and vinaigrettes were also provided alongside fresh bread for perfect pairings. The tasting room even features a gourmet deli case full of artisan meats, cheeses, fresh bread and other snacks for purchase.

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying lunch out on the tasting room’s patio, which Jonathan had arranged for us from a local restaurant called the Gold Vine Grill. I had the delicious Turkey Reuben Panini (sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and roasted red pepper spread on grilled ciabatta bread) while my boyfriend had the Buck’s BBQ Burger (seasoned all beef patty with bacon, cheddar cheese and a tangy barbeque sauce). It was nice to dine outside while discussing the history of Perry Creek wines with Jonathan.

We had a great time at Perry Creek and are already researching other El Dorado County wineries with hopes of planning another wine tasting trip up there sometime soon!

Note: Passport Weekend is coming up soon! On March 26-27 and April 2-3, over 26 El Dorado County wineries (including Perry Creek!) will be hosting the region’s annual Passport wine and food event featuring plenty of wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, enjoyable art and music and fun-loving participants. Tickets cost $70 per person ($26.61 for designated drivers) for the whole weekend.  A limited number of tickets are still left (the event usually sells out) and can be purchased by calling (800) 306-3956. For more information, visit the El Dorado Winery Association’s website.

Perry Creek Winery
7400 Perry Creek Road
Fair Play, CA 95684
(530) 620-5175

Hours: 11a.m. – 5p.m. daily

Food & Wine Education

by SacFoodies

Looking for some fun ways to ratchet up your food and wine knowledge, while at the same time sampling some delicious offerings? Here’s a round-up of upcoming classes that look pretty tasty:
Saturday, November 6, 1-2:30 PM – Wine Class and Vineyard Tour with Rick Kushman
Spend the afternoon with Rick Kushman, touring the Lava Cap vineyards and learning how grapes become wine (in English, not winespeak), plus taste some great wines. Cost is $25. Go to http://www.lavacap.com for more information.

Thursday, November 11, 6:30 PM – Cooking Class at Il Fornaio Roseville with Chef Mitch Davis
Experience an exquisite gourmet three-course meal paired with three great wines prepared by Il Fornaio Roseville’s Chef Mitch Davis in an intimate setting. $55.00 per person and space is limited to 20 people. Call 916.788.1200 to reserve your spot.
Saturday, November 20, 1-3 PM – Holiday Chef Experience at SIENNA in El Dorado Hills
This month’s “Chef Experience” at SIENNA will be three holiday courses prepared and demonstrated by SIENNA Executive Chef Jon Nelson, along with premium wine pairings. $35 per person. Call 916.941.9694 to reserve your spot.

Know of any food and wine classes around town? Let us know!

Giveaway Galore! Day Three – After Hours Event at Fairytale Town

by SacFoodies

Q: What do SacFoodies like more than a local food and wine event?
A: A local food and wine event that benefits a deserving charity, of course. 🙂
Enter: Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center’s 18th Annual “After Hours” Event at Fairytale Town. A few of us had the pleasure of volunteering at last year’s event and are excited to do so again this year. We’re told this year they’ll have a few new features including a Wall of Wine (we can’t wait to find out more!) and a live auction.
Just like last year, you’ll be able to nibble and sip your way through Fairytale Town and enjoy some of our favorite Sacramento establishments, including: Aioli Bodega Espanola, de Vere’s Irish Pub, L Wine Lounge, Mulvaney’s B&L, Tower Café, Thai Basil and many more.

If you can make it out to the event, you won’t be disappointed! Here are the details:
What:
18th Annual “After Hours” Event at Fairytale Town
Where:
Er, it’s at Fairytale Town
(in William Land Park)
When:
Friday, September 10, 2010
5:30 – 8:30pm
Cost:
$50 ticket price includes a commemorative wine glass
(Remember, proceeds benefit Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center)
Now, the fun part:
Our friends at the Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center who are organizing the event have been kind enough to offer a pair of tickets for one lucky SacFoodies reader!
Enter by commenting below or on our Facebook page, and name a fairytale that included food. For example, there were breadcrumbs in Hansel & Gretel (sorry, can’t use this one!).
(Process note: All entries in any of the three Giveaway Galore giveaways must be received by Thursday at 3pm to be counted. We’ll notify all winners on Friday.)